Missouri Guide for Canadians

Quick Facts

State Income Tax	Progressive 1.5% to 5.4%
Sales Tax	4.225% state + local (8.35% average, St. Louis City 10.85%)
Driver's License Grace Period	30 days for residents
Residency Requirement for Tax	Domicile in Missouri
Vehicle Registration Deadline	30 days for residents
REAL ID Deadline	May 7, 2025 for domestic flights
Enhanced Driver's License	Not available

First 90 Days Checklist

Week 1-2: Essential Documents & Registration

• Register with USCIS if staying 30+ days (required by April 11, 2025)
• Gather required documents for driver's license
• Open US bank account
• Set up Missouri mailing address

Week 3-4: Official Registration

• Apply for Missouri driver's license (within 30 days)
• Register vehicle if brought from Canada (within 30 days)
• Register to vote (if eligible)
• Obtain Missouri identification if not driving

Month 2-3: Establishing Residency

• Update address with Canadian financial institutions
• Establish Missouri ties and connections
• Research healthcare options and insurance
• Explore local communities and attractions

Driver's License & Vehicle Requirements

For Canadian Citizens

Required Documents:

• Original valid Canadian passport (proof of legal presence)
• Social Security Number or letter of ineligibility
• Two proofs of Missouri residential address
• Birth certificate or citizenship documents for identity

Testing Requirements:

• Written knowledge test required for Canadian citizens
• Vision screening required
• Road skills test required - MO does not recognize foreign licenses
• No pre-licensing course required
• Canadian license will be returned after successful testing

REAL ID Compliance:

• Missouri offers REAL ID compliant licenses
• Required by May 7, 2025 for domestic air travel
• Enhanced Driver's License not available in Missouri
• Canadians must use passport for border crossings

Important Notes:

• 30-day limit to get MO license after residency
• REAL ID required by May 7, 2025 for air travel
• Must surrender valid out-of-state/country license
• Missouri has specific requirements for CDL transfers

Vehicle Registration

• Register within 30 days of establishing residency
• Annual safety inspection required
• Emissions testing required in St. Louis and Kansas City areas
• Missouri insurance required for registration

Tax & Residency Considerations

Missouri State Tax Structure

• **Progressive income tax** 1.5% to 5.4% based on income
• **No local income tax** in most areas (some cities have earnings tax)
• **No estate tax** (repealed in 2013)
• **Low property taxes** (0.99% effective rate)
• **Moderate sales tax** 4.225% state + local (8.35% average)

Establishing Missouri Tax Residency

Missouri residency is primarily based on domicile:

• Domiciled in Missouri (intent to make permanent home)
• Physical presence not the sole determining factor
• Intent to remain permanently is key consideration

Documentation to Establish Residency

• Missouri driver's license and voter registration
• Bank accounts and utility bills in Missouri
• Employment or business activities in Missouri
• Professional licenses, club memberships
• Property ownership or long-term lease

Tax Advantage

Missouri offers relatively low taxes with a moderate income tax rate and low property taxes. No estate tax makes it attractive for retirees with significant assets.

US Federal Tax Implications for Canadians

Important: Under the Substantial Presence Test, you may be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes.
New Requirement: Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS by April 11, 2025.
Recommendation: Consult a cross-border tax professional.

Healthcare Considerations

Insurance Options

• Missouri uses federal healthcare.gov marketplace
• Travel insurance strongly recommended for visitors
• Consider US health insurance if staying permanently
• Major medical centers in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia

Prescription Medications

• Bring adequate supply from Canada
• Understand prescription transfer requirements
• US prices often higher than Canadian prices
• Research pharmacy options and discount programs

Special Considerations for Snowbirds

New US Registration Requirements (2025)

• Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS
• Registration required by April 11, 2025
• Print and carry latest I-94 as proof of legal entry
• Failure to register may affect future US travel

Maintaining Canadian Ties

• Keep principal residence in Canada
• Monitor days in U.S. for tax reasons (183-day rule)
• Maintain Canadian insurance & banking relationships
• MO domicile-based residency requires careful planning

Property Considerations

• Very affordable property values statewide
• Low property tax rates (0.99% effective)
• Stable real estate markets in metro areas
• Impact on Canada's principal residence exemption

Climate & Lifestyle Factors

• Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters
• Four distinct seasons, winters milder than most of Canada
• Rich history and cultural attractions
• Very affordable cost of living

Geographic Advantages

• Central US location with easy access to all regions
• Major airports in St. Louis and Kansas City
• Mississippi and Missouri River systems
• Ozark Mountains and recreational opportunities

Travel Documentation

• Ensure passport validity (6+ months remaining)
• Consider Global Entry/NEXUS for easier border crossings
• Enhanced Driver's License not available in Missouri
• I-94 registration now required for 30+ day stays

Cost of Living Advantage

Missouri offers one of the most affordable costs of living in the US, with low housing costs, reasonable taxes, and affordable everyday expenses. Particularly attractive for those on fixed incomes.

Cultural Considerations

• Midwestern hospitality and friendliness
• Rich Civil War and frontier history
• Diverse geography from plains to mountains
• Growing international communities in major cities

Recreational Opportunities

• Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake
• Branson entertainment district
• Gateway Arch and St. Louis attractions
• Excellent fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities

Key Contacts & Resources